Duke's Son Wish To Follow The Story

Chapter 19 : Phil Austin

Luis positions himself next to Duke Carl, having just returned from his mother's room.

"She was asleep... I suppose she's exhausted; she stayed awake the whole time," Luis casually remarks, his gaze shifting to his big brother lying there with closed eyes.

Doc Phil is present, holding Leon's hand, with a constant stream of sweat on his forehead and back, his expression marked by a frown.

"...Right... she stayed up all night and cared for Leon until this morning. Even though I advised her not to, she's just so persistent...haa..." Duke Carl responds, his gaze also directed at Leon. Dark circles under the Duke's eyes reveal his own sleepless night, mirroring his wife's and Luis's.

"It's 10 am now... I think you should get some sleep too, Father. I'll take care of things here," Luis suggests, glancing at the clock on the table near Leon's right bedside, then quickly shifting his gaze back to Leon.

"It's okay... You're the ones who should get some rest, and besides..."

Duke Carl halted, observing Phil's back.

Sigh... "How much longer do you think Phil can endure this?" Duke Carl expresses with anxiety.

He was genuinely concerned, not only about Leon but also for Doc Phil.

Phil had been laboring since 3 AM until the present moment. Employing Holy power for such an extended period could be fatal, yet Phil had persevered.

"He's sweating profusely right now," Duke Carl added in a hushed tone.

"I'm not certain, Father... it appears... Sir Phil's condition is not favorable." Luis responded.

Gulped.

He swallows hard, observing Phil from behind.

The reason he hurried back to this room after escorting his mother was not solely due to concern for Leon but also because of Phil.

'Phil Austin...'

He hails from the noble lineage of Viscount Austin.

However, unlike other noble families, the Austin household is distinctly unique.

Their lineage's history and influence revolve around holy power. Despite the absence of specific religious beliefs in the Pahan Kingdom, the Austin family possesses a power unmistakably holy yet distinct. This power surpasses the efficacy of healing magic or light magic, often proving more formidable than conventional 'real' holy power in certain aspects.

What adds to the intrigue is the fact that the Austin family doesn't adhere to any particular deity.

As a result, people silently pondered the nature of these abilities. Yet, no one dares to outright accuse them of practicing black magic, as this power evidently emanates a holiness that dispels such suspicions.

Regardless, within the Austin family, Phil held the position of the youngest among his siblings.

Upon his eldest brother assuming the role of family head, Phil chose to sever ties with his kin and commenced employment here under the Forti Dukedom at a remarkably young age. Since then, he has dedicated almost two decades to his service here.

"While he may have accumulated experience and expertise in wielding his power, this ability is not inexhaustible..."

Even though holy power distinguishes itself from the mana of a magician or the black magic of a dark magician, it still shares a commonality with other forms of power—it has limitations contingent upon the individual wielding it.

"Furthermore, I've never seen Sir Phil exert himself so strenuously. Perhaps there was a time in his youth when he worked this hard. However, at present, he's aging, and considering the duration of his exertion, his holy power should be depleted by now."

If someone surpasses that limit, it could lead to death.

"I think we shou—"

"—That's enough, Sir Phil."

Stunned.

Everyone in the room freezes upon hearing the voice of that person.

Their eyes widen, including Phil's, who had been keeping his eyes closed to concentrate on the treatment.

The voice then casually continues, "I'm okay now, so you should rest. You'll die before me like this. chuckle"

Although meant as a jest about the possibility of dying,

'They all suddenly frown. Why?'

Leon looks at the three of them, raising one eyebrow inquisitively.

His gaze seems to ask them why on earth they are staring at him in such a manner.

Squeeze.

Phil recoiled as Leon's right hand tightly gripped his.

'Stop now, Phil... you will die.'

Leon's hand clutched Phil's, conveying a message to cease before reaching a fatal outcome.

"Young master!!!!"

Phil urgently calls out to Leon.

In response to the call, Leon smiles back.

His expression seems to convey, 'I'm okay.' His complexion even appears slightly improved.

"haa...."

Feeling a wave of relief at Leon's improved state, Phil eases the tension in his body.

As he does so, his use of holy power comes to a halt, and his fatigued body nearly falters.

Catch

Duke Carl swiftly catches Phil from behind, looking down at him with a smile that has been present for a while.

"You did a good job, Phil... now, as my son requested, you should rest."

Duke Carl squeezes Phil's shoulder, urging him to relax.

"Yes, milord... I should do that... but before that..."

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to be continued.